Stoddert, Benjamin

Stoddert, Benjamin (1751-1813) Secretary of the Navy: Stoddert was born in Bladensburg, Maryland, on December 18, 1813. He was trained to become a merchant, but joined the Continental Army as captain of cavalry, and continued in the field until the Battle of Brandywine, in which he was so seriously wounded that he had to withdraw from active service. He remained with the Army until 1781 as Secretary of the Board of War. After the war, in 1798, Stoddert was appointed the first Secretary of the Navy. He applied his experience in the merchant marine, as well as his personal leadership skills, to the position, helping lead the Navy through the mostly naval Quasi-War with France. When Secretary of War James Henry resigned, Stoddert became acting Secretary of War until the appointed successor could take the position. When President Adams' administration ended in 1801, Stoddert retired from public life, and attempted to settle his private affairs, which had become tangled during his years away. He died in Bladensburg, Maryland, on December 18, 1813.